Chateau Rauzan Segla 2008

JAMES SUCKLING: "Here is 2008 with a velvety texture yet the underlying bright acidity comes through at the same time. Medium to full body, firm and chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Very pretty and energetic. Just opening now."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Big, rich, almost velvet in texture, this is a powerful wine. It has spice, black berry fruits, layers of wood and black plum skins. Powerful wine for long-term aging and medium-term accessibility."

WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "With a shifting in color to show its maturity, the wine opens with tobacco, cedar, herbs, Christmas spice and forest notes to accompany the red fruits. Medium/full bodied, with a classic leaning, the tannins are just starting to soften. The fruit is a bit strict on the palate at this moment. In time, perhaps, 5-8 years, the wine should develop softer textures, along with more aromatic complexity."

ANTONIO GALLONI: "Good dark, bright red. Deep, brooding aromas of blueberry, mulberry, tobacco, mint and pepper. Deep and sweet, with ripe mulberry and raspberry fruit nicely supported by a firm mineral underpinning. At once smooth and sappy, offering a captivating balance of sweetness and ripe acidity. Finishes strong and vibrant, with firm tannins supported by the wine's mid-palate fruit."

WEINWISSER: "Mittleres Rubin, feiner Rand. Blaubeeriges Bouquet, reife Zwetschgen, Tabaknoten, Rauch, zeigt sich recht tiefgründig und weist einen deutlich würzigen Cabernet-Touch auf. Fleischiger Gaumen, festes Extrakt, stützende Adstringenz, schwarzbeeriges Finale mit viel Lakritze. Sicherlich ein Wein, der wie immer unterschätzt wird, möglicherweise auch von uns. Seine potenzielle Grösse liegt jedoch auch in der Tiefe!"

DUNNUCK: "The 2008 Rauzan-Ségla is a solid vintage and is still relatively youthful, yet it’s certainly drinking nicely. A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, it has a cooler, black-fruited, menthol, and tobacco-driven bouquet as well as medium to full body, still present tannins, considerable elegance, and outstanding length. Overall it’s a pretty, well-balanced 2008 that’s going to continue evolving for another 15-20 years."

WINESPECTATOR: "A touch soft, but persistent, with pretty floral, mulled plum and tobacco notes that glide over light, rounded tannins. The pure finish lets the fruit hang elegantly. This wins on balance rather than depth. Drink now through 2014."